Modular wireless auditory test instrument with intelligent transducers

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for performing various auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wireless testing device is provided. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem used to implement and analyze selected tests. Attached to the device, either directly or via a flexible cable, are one or more probes. A processor, storage means, input means and display means are included, thus allowing the device to process and store instructions as well as process, store and display data. A wireless networking subsystem is included, enabling the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, systems and devices within the device&#39;s communication range. Due to the inclusion of the wireless networking subsystem, the device can be configured to allow the user to transmit and/or print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates, and send and receive patient and office updates.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/394,785, filed on Mar. 21, 2003, pending, the entire disclosure ofwhich is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to auditory test instrumentsand, more particularly, to portable, wireless auditory test instruments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Auditory test instruments are generally designed to be mounted to, ormaintained on, a desktop. Such instruments often include a display, thusallowing the user to configure the instrument, set the test procedureand/or view the test results. A printer may also be included, thusallowing a hard copy of the test results to be printed. The instrumentmay also be capable of being connected, for example via an RS-232connection, to a network, external computer or printer. Examples of suchauditory test instruments are those manufactured by GN Otometrics underthe Danplex, Madsen, Rastronics, Hortmann and ICS Medical brands.

Although the prior art auditory test instruments perform well, there areseveral disadvantages associated with them, primarily due to their size.First, as they are somewhat difficult to move from location to location,a single office complex may require multiple instruments, one pertesting facility (e.g., one for each examination room). If one of theinstruments malfunctions, or if the office complex is trying to minimizecosts by limiting the number of instruments per complex, the instrumenteither has to be physically moved between examination rooms or thepatients have to be screened and/or diagnosed in a single room, eitherway limiting the number of patients that can be screened and/ordiagnosed within a given time period. Second, these instruments offerlimited portability, thus making it difficult to perform tests outsideof the facility in which they are normally used, for example at ahospital, patient's home, etc. Third, the instrument must be locatednear a suitable power source. Fourth, in order to use the instrumentwith a separate computer and/or printer, the instrument must be locatednear the computer and/or printer, or near a suitable network connection.

In addition to the afore-mentioned disadvantages, the previous auditorytest instruments are specialized, thus offering no patient and/or officemanagement tools. Accordingly, there is a need for a test instrumentthat overcomes the disadvantages of the previous test instruments whileoffering expanded capabilities. The present invention provides such adevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing avariety of auditory tests utilizing a hand-held, portable, wirelesstesting device. Within the device is a diagnostic subsystem which isused to implement selected tests as well as analyze the results of theselected tests. Although the diagnostic subsystem can be fullyintegrated into the device, preferably it is modular in design, thusallowing the subsystem to be easily replaced as needed to perform systemupgrades, testing suite changes, or simple repairs.

In order to perform a specific test, one or more probes are attached tothe device, either directly or via a flexible cable. Preferably theprobe(s) is an intelligent probe that is capable of communicating dataother than stimulus signals and response data. Examples of data that canbe communicated with the intelligent probe include calibration data,configuration data, and operational information.

The device of the invention includes at least one processor, storagemeans (e.g., volatile and/or non-volatile memory), user input means anddisplay means, thus allowing the device to process and storeinstructions as well as process, store and display data. Additionally,in at least one embodiment the processor, storage means, user inputmeans and display means arc used to provide the user with a means ofinteracting with a data bank. The data bank can be used to store testprotocols, instrument configuration files, patient profiles, previoustest data, appointment schedules, patient contact information, employeeinformation, patient payment histories, office invoices, etc.

Another subsystem of the device is a wireless networking subsystem thatallows the device to communicate with other, similarly enabled, deviceswithin the system's range. Examples of devices and systems that can beenabled and used with the invention are printers, facsimile devices,computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (i.e.,PDAs), and LAN systems. Accordingly, the user is able to transmit data,print data, connect to a network, obtain device configuration updates,etc. In at least one embodiment, the wireless networking subsystem alsoallows the user to send and receive patient and office updates, such asappointment reminders, scheduling changes, etc.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of thespecification and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless test instrument in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the instrument system shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the instrument system shown in FIG.2;

FIG. 5 illustrates a controller/interface portion of a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an analog input portion of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an analog output portion of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention;

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a pressure subsystem portion of a preferredembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a power subsystem portion of a preferred embodimentof the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a wireless auditory test instrument 100 inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Instrument 100 isdesigned to be completely portable and preferably small enough and lightenough to easily hold in one hand. Given the requirements forportability, instrument 100 includes an internal power supply 101. Powersupply 101 can utilize replaceable batteries or rechargeable batteries.If rechargeable batteries are used, they can either be recharged byremoval and insertion into a separate battery charger, charged using aninternally housed charging circuit temporarily coupled to an externalpower source, or, as in a preferred embodiment, recharged while housedwithin instrument 100 using an external charging circuit/unit 103.Although external charging circuit/unit 103 can utilize contacts toelectrically couple to internal power supply 101, preferably acontactless method of coupling to internal power supply 101 is used. Assuch methods are well known in the art, further description of thecharging circuit/unit 103 is not provided herein.

Within instrument 100 is a diagnostic subsystem 105 which can beconfigured for either screening or diagnostic testing. As will be laterdescribed in detail, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configurable to performone or more of a variety of audiometric tests as well as to gatherresponse data. It will be appreciated that diagnostic subsystem 105 isnot necessarily a specific module, rather it is representative of thediagnostic capabilities incorporated into instrument 100. Accordingly,the inventors have conceived of an instrument 100 that can utilize anyof a variety of multiple, preferably interchangeable, diagnosticsubsystems, thus allowing the end user to select the desired testingcapabilities. Alternately, a diagnostic subsystem 105 can be used withininstrument 100 that can be configured to perform one or more testsselected from a variety of tests.

Instrument 100 includes a processor 107. As used herein, the termprocessor refers to processors, digital signal processors (DSPs),microprocessors, CPUs, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),etc. Processor 107 is used to implement tests, analyze test results,and, in general, manage instrument 100's operation. It will beappreciated that instrument 100 can utilize a single processor ormultiple processors. For example, although FIG. 1 shows a singleprocessor 107 separate from diagnostic subsystem 105, it is understoodthat diagnostic subsystem can also include a separate processor.Alternately, instrument 100 can utilize one or more processors that areembedded in diagnostic subsystem 105. Accordingly it will be understoodthat processor 107 in FIG. 1 is only representative of the processingcapabilities included in instrument 100.

A user interface 109 provides the user of instrument 100 with a means ofentering commands, thus allowing test parameters to be input, testing tobe initiated, test results to be analyzed and/or reviewed, etc. Userinterface 109 also provides a means by which the user can access otherfeatures of instrument 100 (e.g., office management tools, patientmanagement tools, data storage, patient histories, etc.) as well asmodify the functionality of instrument 100. User interface 109 includesan input means 111 and a display means 113.

Integrated into instrument 100 is a memory 115. Memory 115 is used tostore user preferences in general and test parameters in particular.Preferably memory 115 is also used to store test data. In addition,memory 115 can be used to store patient information (e.g., testhistories), office management data (e.g., appointments), andcommunication protocols with wirelessly connected devices. Preferablymemory 115 is comprised of both non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM) andvolatile memory (e.g., RAM).

Coupled to instrument 100 is a probe 117. Preferably probe 117 iscoupled to instrument 100 by a flexible cable 119. Alternately, probe117 can be coupled directly to the housing of instrument 100. Regardlessof whether probe 117 is coupled via cable 119 or integrated directlyinto the instrument's housing, preferably it is easily detached andreplaced with other probes. It will be appreciated that probe 117 isonly representative of a probe in general and that, in fact, any of avariety of probe types and configurations can be used with the preferredembodiment of the invention. Additionally, probe 117 may be comprised ofa single probe or of multiple probes.

In order to provide instrument 100 with the desired functionality, itincludes a short range wireless networking subsystem 121. Wirelessnetworking subsystem 121 allows instrument 100 to communicate with othersimilarly enabled devices that are within the system's range. Examplesof such devices include computers 123, printers 124, and networks 125.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 isa perspective view of an instrument system 200 while FIG. 3 is a sideview of the same instrument system. As shown, instrument system 200 iscomprised of portable test instrument 201 along with a variety ofaccessories including a probe 203, a probe holder 205, and a chargingunit 207. Charging unit 207 includes a cradle portion 209 that aids inholding test instrument 201 within the charging unit. Charging unit 207can be coupled to a desk stand 211, a wall mount (not shown), or usedwithout a stand.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of instrument system 200. In additionto the previously identified components, this view further shows themain circuit board 401, the analog circuit board 403, pump 405 alongwith pump motor 407, charger 207 along with charger dorn 409 and batterychamber 410, keypad 411, scroll wheel 413 and organic LED display 415.

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate portions of a preferred embodiment of theinvention. Specifically, these figures illustrate thecontroller/interface, analog input, analog output, pressure subsystemand power subsystem, respectively. As these figures only representportions of an embodiment, and as there are countless embodiments of thepresent invention, these figures will not be described in detail herein.

Further description of some of the principal subsystems of instrument100 will now be provided. It is understood that such subsystems can beused with instrument 100 regardless of the instrument's housing. Forexample, such subsystems arc applicable to the preferred embodimentshown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Diagnostic Subsystem

Diagnostic subsystem 105, in conjunction with probe 117, provides themeans to test the desired auditory function as well as gather theresultant response data. Preferably subsystem 105 is modular andremovably connected within instrument 100, thus allowing the easyremoval and replacement of subsystem 105. Accordingly, instrument 100can be easily repaired and/or reconfigured by simply removing thediagnostic subsystem and replacing it with another. This approach hasseveral advantages. First, it allows a malfunctioning instrument to beeasily repaired, even at the end user's location. This, in turn,minimizes instrument downtime and inconvenience to the user. Second, amodular approach allows the user to easily modify the instrument'sfunctionality as the user's needs change. Third, it allows theinstrument's functionality to be modified as new auditory tests aredevised, testing protocols are changed and/or improved, etc., thuspreventing obsolescence of the instrument and minimizing user costs.

As previously noted, instrument 100, and more specifically diagnosticsubsystem 105, can be configured to perform a wide variety ofaudiometric tests. In general, diagnostic subsystem 105 can beconfigured to offer a range(s) of frequencies and/or discretefrequencies, varying intensities and pressures, thus allowing varioushearing disorders to be screened and analyzed. Preferably subsystem 105also includes a 2 cc calibration cavity 417. As a variety of audiometrictests, and the components needed to perform such tests, are well knownby those of skill in the art, a detailed description of each possibleconfiguration of subsystem 105 is not provided herein. Some of thedesired testing capabilities of instrument 100 are provided below as ameans of illustrating the invention. It will be appreciated, however,that the invention is not limited to these particular tests.Accordingly, some of the auditory tests envisioned by the inventorsinclude:

Middle-Ear Testing

A variety of middle-ear tests can be performed by instrument 100, andmore particularly diagnostic subsystem 105, depending upon the desiredinformation, desired instrument cost and complexity, etc. Preferablymultiple diagnostic subsystems 105 are used in conjunction withinstrument 100 although a single, configurable diagnostic subsystem canalso be used, either approach allowing the instrument to be configuredto perform simple middle-ear function screening or more thoroughmiddle-ear function diagnostics.

In at least one embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured toperform tympanometry tests, preferably providing a number of probe tones(e.g., 266 Hz, 678 Hz, 800 Hz and 1000 Hz). Although diagnosticsubsystem 105 can be configured to only provide single frequencytesting, preferably multiple frequency testing is provided for, thusallowing the middle-ear resonance frequency to be determined. For tympsweeps, diagnostic subsystem 105 can be configured to allow user definedpressures (e.g., 50 to 400 daPa/sec or higher), AFAP variable pressurespeeds, or both. As a result of being able to apply pressure in acontrollable fashion, overpressure or underpressure of the middle-earcan be compensated for during testing.

In at least one embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured toperform acoustic reflex tests and determine acoustic reflex thresholds(both for contralateral stimulation and ipsilateral stimulation).Stimuli frequencies and intensities are preferably user definable,selected from frequencies and intensity ranges allowed by diagnosticsubsystem 105. Preferably diagnostic subsystem 105 is also configured toperform reflex decay measurements.

In at least one embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured todetermine pure tone thresholds via air conduction. For example,subsystem 105 can be configured with a number of frequencies within thedesired auditory frequency range and exhibiting the desired dynamicrange (e.g., 8 frequencies with a dynamic range of 1-120 dB).

In at least one embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured totest Eustachian tube functions, preferably allowing the functionality tobe tested with either the tympanic membrane intact or perforated.

In at least one embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured totest acoustic reflex latency and/or perform Gelle's test.

Other Auditory Testing

In addition to the tests outlined above, diagnostic subsystem 105 can beconfigured to perform numerous other auditory tests. For example, in atleast one embodiment diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured to measurethe acoustic impedance of the outer ear under varying pressureconditions. In at least one other embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105is used to perform audiometric emission measurements. In thisconfiguration, probe 117 includes at least one transducer to generatethe stimulus signals and at least one transducer to measure the emissionsignal. In at least one other embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 isconfigured to perform advanced audiometry (i.e., HL or SPL). In at leastone other embodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured to performABLB, Stenger and SISI special testing. In at least one otherembodiment, diagnostic subsystem 105 is configured to perform highfrequency audiometry, preferably up to 16 kHz.

User Interface

In its simplest configuration, user interface 109 is used to program thedesired test parameters into instrument 100. For example, the variousparameters associated with tympanometry and reflex threshold testing canbe entered via interface 109. More specifically, user interface 109 canbe used select the function/test to be performed as well as whether thefunction/test is to be performed manually, automatically, automaticallyusing a preprogrammed test sequence, or using a previously user-enteredtest profile. Additionally, user interface 109 can be configured toallow setting and or selecting; (i) sensitivity scales (e.g., fortympanometry testing), (ii) tone or frequency, (iii) single versusmultiple tones, (iv) tone presentation timing, (v) Eustachian tubetesting mode (e.g., perforated vs. non-perforated tympanic membrane),(vi) pressure, etc.

In at least one embodiment, user interface 109 is used to set-up thebasic operation of instrument 100. For example, user interface 109 canbe used to select the instrument's operational language, the format fordisplaying test results (e.g., graphical versus tabular, side by sidedisplays of data, overlaying data, etc.), configuration of user inputmeans 111, configuration of display means 113, enable/disable timeand/or date stamping of test data, and configuration/control of wirelesscommunication subsystem 121.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, user interface 109 is usedto enter and/or access individual patient data (e.g., patient profile,previous test data, etc.). Preferably interface 109 can also be used toenter and/or access various office management tools such as patientappointment schedules, patient contact information, and/or patientbilling information (e.g., payment history).

Input means 111 can use any combination of buttons, switches,rotating/scrolling wheels, etc. In at least one embodiment, input means111 includes a virtual keyboard, preferably an alphanumeric keyboard,graphically displayed on display means 113. Individual keys of thevirtual keyboard are ‘struck’ (i.e., pushed, entered, accessed, etc.)either through the use of a touch sensitive display means or by acombination of key selection buttons (e.g., arrow keys) and an enterbutton. In at least one other embodiment, input means 111 also includesat least one microphone for use in dictating (e.g., recordable in memory115), preparing voice files for attachment to test data or forcommunicating with office personnel, etc.

In at least one embodiment display means 113 is used to provide the userwith various types of information relating to both the configuration andfunctionality of instrument 100. For example, display means 113 can beused in conjunction with input means 111 to configure instrument 100(e.g., selection of interface language), configure wirelesscommunication subsystem 121, monitor the performance of instrument 100(e.g., battery charge level), select an auditory test, and select thedesired test parameters. In a preferred embodiment, display means 113 isused to communicate test results, either textually or graphically, tothe user. In another preferred embodiment, display 113 is used topresent the user with patient data (e.g., patient profile, previous testdata, etc.) and/or office management information (e.g., appointmentschedules, patient and/or supplier contact information, invoiceinformation, etc.).

In at least one embodiment, display 113 includes a touch sensitivescreen, thus allowing the display to also function as input means 111.

Display means 113 can utilize various screen sizes and resolutions,depending upon power system constraints, expected tests, desiredpresentation formats, etc. Preferably display means 113 uses organiclight emitting diodes (OLED), although other types of technology can beused. For example, display 113 can use liquid crystal display (LCD)technology, light emitting polymers (LEP), electroluminescent (EL) oractive matrix electroluminescent (AMEL) technology, organic thin filmtransistors (organic TFT), amorphous silicon integrated displays (ASID),pliable display technology (PDT) or any other display technology thatcan provide a suitable resolution in the desired display size.

Probes

Depending upon the desired configuration, probe 117 can be coupled toinstrument either directly or via a probe cable 119. One benefit ofcoupling probe 117 directly to instrument 117 is to achieve an extremelycompact device. One benefit of coupling probe 117 via cable 119 is toprovide the patient with a light-weight probe that does not overlyconstrict patient movement.

Although instrument 100 can use standard probes, in a preferredembodiment probe 117 is an intelligent probe. As used herein,intelligent probe is defined as a probe that includes the ability tocommunicate probe information to the instrument to which it is attached(e.g., instrument 100) in addition to that information commonlycommunicated via a probe such as stimulus signals and response data.

In at least one embodiment, the probe information communicated via theintelligent probe is calibration data. Calibration data can include dataabout the probe, which is then used by diagnostic subsystem 105 and/orprocessor 107 to insure proper instrument set-up. Calibration data canalso include a date stamp, thus allowing instrument 100 to notify theuser when the date stamp indicates that the calibration data is nolonger valid.

In at least one embodiment, the probe information communicated via theintelligent probe is probe configuration data. Probe configuration datacan include information about the capabilities of the probe, thusallowing the diagnostic subsystem to be properly set-up. Preferablydiagnostic subsystem set-up is performed automatically upon connectingprobe 117 to instrument 100. Such automatic set-up is sometimes referredto as a plug and play capability.

In at least one embodiment, the probe information communicated via theintelligent probe is system operation information. For example, one ormore buttons or other types of input means 131 can be included in thebody of probe 117, the buttons allowing test sequences to be initiatedand/or stopped without the use of input means 111 on instrument 100.Preferably buttons 131 on probe 117 duplicate one or more buttons/inputmeans 111 on instrument 100. In another example of system operationinformation that can be communicated via the intelligent probe, one ormore LEDs or other types of display means 133 can be included in thebody of probe 117. Preferably LEDs/display means 133 provide statusinformation to the user (e.g., test sequence initiating, test sequencecomplete, etc.).

Processor and Memory

Processor 107, in conjunction with memory 115, provides for instrument100's functionality (e.g., implement tests, analyze test results, manageinstrument operation, etc.). As previously noted, instrument 100 canutilize a single processor or multiple processors. For example,diagnostic subsystem 105 can utilize a dedicated processor while adifferent processor can control the overall operation of the instrument.Accordingly, processor 107 in FIG. 1 is only intended to represent theprocessing capabilities of instrument 100.

Memory 115 is preferably used to store information relating to theinstrument's testing capabilities. For example, test sequences andparameters can be stored in memory 115. These test sequences andparameters can be factory installed and/or user installed and in thecase of the latter, are preferably indexable by user, test type and/orpatient. Memory 115 can also be used to store test profiles, includingprobe requirements if probe 117 is an intelligent probe as previouslydisclosed.

In at least one embodiment, memory 115 is used to store test data,preferably including both current test results and previous test results(assuming that the patient has previous test results). Memory 115 canalso be used to store standardized test results, thus providing an easymeans of gauging a patient's test results. For example, standardizedtest results can be based on a segment of the population (e.g., personswithin a predefined age group), based on achieving a certain performancelevel (e.g., superior, average, below average), based on achieving apercentage of what is considered average performance, etc.

In at least one embodiment, memory 115 is used to store data andinformation generally relating to the user's office, and morespecifically relating to the management of the user's office andprofessional practice. This data is accessible, and modifiable, throughuse of input means 111 and displayable through the use of display means113. Examples of such data and information are patient profiles,including personal data, medical data, past test results, billinginformation, etc. Other examples of data and information that can bestored in memory 115 are employee files, appointment records, supplyrecords and payroll records.

Short Range Wireless Communication Subsystem

Instrument 100 includes a short distance wireless networking subsystem121 that provides short distance wireless communications betweeninstrument 100 and a correspondingly enabled peripheral electronicdevice or system (e.g., devices/systems 123-125 in FIG. 1). Preferablyshort distance wireless networking subsystem 121 has a range on theorder of 30 feet or less, more preferably on the order of 100 feet orless, still more preferably on the order of 500 feet or less, and yetstill more preferably on the order of 1000 feet or less.

Short distance wireless networking subsystem 121 includes a transceiver127 and can utilize any of a variety of networking technologies andprotocols, as long as the selected system provides suitable networkingcapabilities between instrument 100 and the desired device or system(e.g., devices/systems 123-125). Examples of suitable technologies andstandards include Bluetooth and IEEE802.11. As such technologies andstandards are well know in the art (see, for example, the specificationsfound at www.bluetooth.com,www.standards.ieee.org/getieee802/802.11.htm1 andwww.grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/11/, all of which are incorporatedherein by reference), further description will not be provided herein.Subsystem 121, which is coupled to an appropriate antenna, controls thecommunication of data between instrument 100 and the desired device orsystem.

Due to the inclusion of wireless networking subsystem 121, instrument100 can communicate with any similarly enabled device. For example, ifthe user of instrument 100 wants to make a hard copy of some testresults, the test results can be sent to a printer (e.g., device 124)which is enabled (e.g., using a Bluetooth adaptor). If the user wants toconstruct on-screen audiograms in real time, and assuming instrument 100is NOAH compatible as it is in a preferred embodiment, test data can befeed directly to an enabled PC database via wireless networking module121. In an alternate example, wireless networking subsystem 121 can beused to communicate data (e.g., patient data, office management data,etc.) between instrument 100 and either an enabled computer (e.g.,device 123) or an enabled local area network (LAN) (e.g., system 125) oranother similarly enabled device (e.g., facsimile devices, personaldigital assistants, cellular telephones, etc.). In yet another example,assuming that instrument 100 includes a schedule (e.g., appointmentschedule, personal schedule, etc.), wireless networking subsystems 121can be used to send a reminder such as an e-mail, voice message (e.g.,using a voice file or a voice synthesis system), or other reminder to anappropriately enabled receiver (e.g., enabled personal digitalassistant, enabled cellular phone, etc.). It will be appreciated thatthe above examples of the possible uses for wireless networkingsubsystem 121 arc meant to be illustrative only and that the presentinvention is not limited to these applications.

As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the presentinvention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing fromthe spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, thedisclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, butnot limiting, of the scope of the invention which is set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of configuring a portable auditory testinstrument, comprising: coupling the portable auditory test instrumentto a probe, wherein the probe is configured to interface with an ear ofa user and comprises a transducer for providing a stimulus signal to theuser of the probe; receiving system configuration data transmitted fromthe probe to the portable auditory test instrument; and automaticallyconfiguring the portable auditory test instrument based on the systemconfiguration data.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the systemconfiguration data includes probe calibration data, the method furthercomprising automatically determining if the probe calibration data isvalid.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the system configuration datais transmitted automatically from the probe to the portable auditorytest instrument in response to the coupling of the portable auditorytest instrument to the probe.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein thesystem configuration data includes information about a capability of theprobe.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable auditory testinstrument is automatically configured in response to the receivedsystem configuration data.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the probeis configured for placement at the ear.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the probe has a portion for insertion into the ear.
 8. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the system configuration data is stored inthe probe before the probe is being used by the user.
 9. A method ofconfiguring a portable auditory instrument, comprising: coupling theportable auditory instrument to a test probe, wherein the test probe isconfigured to interface with an ear of a user and comprises a transducerfor providing a stimulus signal to the user of the test probe; receivingsystem configuration data transmitted from the test probe to theportable auditory instrument; and automatically configuring the portableauditory instrument based on the system configuration data.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the system configuration data includes testprobe calibration data, the method further comprising automaticallydetermining if the test probe calibration data is valid.
 11. The methodof claim 9, wherein the system configuration data is transmittedautomatically from the test probe to the portable auditory instrument inresponse to the coupling of the portable auditory instrument to the testprobe.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the system configuration dataincludes information about a capability of the test probe.
 13. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the portable auditory instrument isautomatically configured in response to the received systemconfiguration data.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the probe isconfigured for placement at the ear.
 15. The method of claim 9, whereinthe probe has a portion for insertion into the ear.
 16. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the system configuration data is stored in the probebefore the probe is being used by the user.
 17. A method of configuringa portable auditory instrument, comprising: coupling the portableauditory instrument to a probe, wherein the probe is configured tointerface with an ear of a user and comprises a transducer for providinga stimulus signal to the user of the probe; receiving systemconfiguration data transmitted from the probe to the portable auditoryinstrument; and automatically configuring the portable auditoryinstrument based on the system configuration data.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the system configuration data includes probecalibration data, the method further comprising automaticallydetermining if the probe calibration data is valid.
 19. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the system configuration data is transmittedautomatically from the probe to the portable auditory instrument inresponse to the coupling of the portable auditory instrument to theprobe.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the system configuration dataincludes information about a capability of the probe.
 21. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the portable auditory instrument is automaticallyconfigured in response to the received system configuration data. 22.The method of claim 17, wherein the probe is configured for placement atthe ear.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the probe has a portion forinsertion into the ear.
 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the systemconfiguration data is stored in the probe before the probe is being usedby the user.
 25. A method of configuring a portable auditory instrument,comprising: coupling the portable auditory instrument to a test probe,wherein the test probe is configured to interface with an ear of a userand comprises a transducer for providing a stimulus signal to the userof the test probe; obtaining system configuration data transmitted fromthe probe to the portable auditory instrument; automatically configuringthe portable auditory instrument based on the system configuration data;wherein the portable auditory instrument is configured to perform atleast one test selected from the group consisting of: a tympanometrytest, a tympanometry sweeps test, an acoustic reflex test, an acousticreflex threshold determination, a reflex decay measurement, a pure tonethreshold determination, an Eustachian tube function determination, anacoustic reflex latency test, a Gelle's test, a measurement of an outerear acoustic impedance under varying pressures, an audiometric emissionmeasurement, an advanced audiometry test, an ABLB test, a Stenger test,and a SISI test.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the configurationdata includes test probe calibration data, the method further comprisingdetermining if the test probe calibration data is valid.
 27. The methodof claim 25, wherein the system configuration data is transmitted fromthe test probe to the portable auditory automatically in response to thecoupling of the portable auditory instrument to the test probe.
 28. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the system configuration data includesinformation about a capability of the test probe.
 29. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the portable auditory instrument is automaticallyconfigured in response to the received system configuration data. 30.The method of claim 25, wherein the probe is configured for placement atthe ear.
 31. The method of claim 25, wherein the probe has a portion forinsertion into the ear.
 32. The method of claim 25, wherein the systemconfiguration data is stored in the probe before the probe is being usedby the user.
 33. An auditory test instrument, comprising: a connectorconfigured to detachably couple to a test probe, wherein the test probeis configured to interface with an ear of a user and comprises atransducer for providing a stimulus signal to the user of the testprobe; a processing module configured to implement at least one auditorydiagnostic test; and a housing containing the processing module; whereinthe processing module is configured to receive system configuration datatransmitted from the test probe, and automatically perform aconfiguration process based on the system configuration data.
 34. Theauditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein the system configurationdata includes test probe calibration data, and the processing module isconfigured to automatically determine if the test probe calibration datais valid.
 35. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein theprocessing module is configured to automatically receive the systemconfiguration data in response to a coupling of the connector to thetest probe.
 36. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein thesystem configuration data includes information about a capability of thetest probe.
 37. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein theprocessing module is configured to automatically perform theconfiguration process in response to the received system configurationdata.
 38. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein the testprobe is an intelligent probe.
 39. The auditory test instrument of claim33, wherein the test probe is mainly for use in hearing test(s).
 40. Theauditory test instrument of claim 33, further comprising a displayconfigured to display results from the at least one auditory diagnostictest.
 41. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, further comprising:a wireless networking subsystem configured to wirelessly transmit asignal via a short distance wireless network to a peripheral electronicdevice or system; wherein the peripheral electronic device or system isexternal to the housing, and the wireless network subsystem isconfigured to transmit the signal to the peripheral electronic device orsystem that is external to the housing.
 42. The auditory test instrumentof claim 33, wherein the probe is configured for placement at the ear.43. The auditory test instrument of claim 33, wherein the probe has aportion for insertion into the ear.
 44. The auditory test instrument ofclaim 33, wherein the system configuration data is stored in the probebefore the probe is being used by the user.